At home, Omar noticed that the light above the kitchen table kept flickering. His sister Leila said, “You said you were going to fix that last week.” Omar looked up and said, “I know. I kept putting it off.” Their mother walked in and said, “It is getting worse, and I do not want anyone standing on a chair tonight.” Omar opened the drawer and took out a new bulb.

Leila watched him and said, “So now you’re finally getting around to it?” Omar laughed a little and said, “Yes, before I hear about it again.” Their mother said, “I’m not trying to nag you. I just want it handled safely.” Omar turned off the switch, changed the bulb, and tested the light. Leila smiled because she understood the message behind their mother’s words.

SPEAK

Think about the phrases. Answer in complete sentences.

1. Omar said, “I kept putting it off.” What had he delayed doing?

2. Leila said, “You said you were going to fix that last week.” What does this show?

3. Their mother said, “I do not want anyone standing on a chair tonight.” What was she concerned about?

4. Leila said, “You’re finally getting around to it.” What did Omar start doing?

5. Their mother said, “I’m not trying to nag you.” What message was she trying to send?

6. Which phrase shows delay?

7. Which phrase shows that someone finally started a task?

8. Did the mother sound controlling, careful, or careless? Use the reading to support your answer.

LISTEN

Listen to your teacher’s statement and question. Then answer in complete sentences.

Teacher recording:

“I think Omar knew he had waited too long. His mother’s main message was not anger. She wanted the light fixed safely.”

1. What did the speaker say?

2. How do you respond to the speaker’s opinion?

3. Use the reading to support your response.

WRITE

Write 5–7 sentences.

Choose two phrases from the reading. Explain what each phrase means and what it shows about the situation at home.

NOTES

put it off

• What it means:
  To delay doing something.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase when someone waits to do a task, chore, decision, or responsibility.

• Why we use it:
  It shows that something should have been done earlier.

• Example:
  Omar put off fixing the kitchen light.

get around to it

• What it means:
  To finally do something after waiting or delaying.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase when a task is not done right away but is eventually handled.

• Why we use it:
  It often shows that the task was delayed.

• Example:
  Omar finally got around to changing the bulb.

nag

• What it means:
  To repeatedly remind or criticize someone about something.

• How we use it:
  We use this word when reminders start to feel annoying or repeated.

• Why we use it:
  It helps explain how reminders may feel to another person.

• Example:
  Their mother said she was not trying to nag Omar.

handle it

• What it means:
  To take care of a task or problem.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase when someone needs to manage or finish something.

• Why we use it:
  It sounds natural and direct.

• Example:
  The mother wanted the light handled safely.